Gas leak sparks evacuation

NEW FRANKLIN -- Homes were evacuated in the area of 6500 Hampsher Road in New Franklin late Tuesday night after a gas leak.

Authorities say they received several calls about an explosion and gas leak shortly before 9 p.m.

First responders arrived within four minutes and found high pressure natural gas escaping from an unknown source.

An evacuation of nearby residents in the immediate area was ordered.

Dominion personnel determined that a line had become over pressurized and the relief valve was releasing that pressure as it is designed to do. The pressure was reduced on the line and the escaping gas was stopped.

Despite reports that there had been an explosion, one never occurred.

All evacuated residents were permitted to return to their homes less than an hour later.